I Remember when I stepped into my first writer’s conference, armed with nothing but my manuscript and a heart full of hope. It was a crash course in reality. During the last session, I got the guts to share my work in progress (WIP). My voice trembled. Would they like the story? I asked myself in between pauses. Soon after I finished reading, the session leader let me know in no uncertain terms that cultural elements and Spanglish writing don’t sell in the US. The other writers there nodded in agreement. I pushed back rejection tears and left with a notion that perhaps there was no place for my stories in the industry.

But the need to tell those stories didn’t wane—it intensified. I dusted off my dreams, enrolled in a creative writing MFA with the National University in San Diego to master the craft, and founded Have a Cup of Johanny LLC. I published on Wattpad that cultural story everyone said would not do well. Guess what, it garnered so many readers awards and as of writing this it has accumulated over 3K reeads. Self-publishing became my rebellion and redemption.

Challenging the Gatekeepers

The individuals who act as publishing gatekeepers, responsible for selecting and approving books for publication, are often not the advocates for diverse narratives that we hope for. Instead, they frequently reject manuscripts and proposals, shutting out not only the author but also a multitude of voices that are eager to be heard. This lack of inclusivity and openness to new perspectives can limit the range of stories that are available to readers and perpetuate a narrow-minded view of the world. This focus on ‘the bottom line’ sends a subliminial message to readers and that message is: that diverse reads that challenge the status quo have bad writing or that the stories are not that good. This in part adds to people’s bias about self-published books and authors.

Marketing Myths and Genre Gaps

In many industries, including the publishing industry, there is a tendency to suffer from marketing myopia, leading to a narrow-minded approach to genre constraints. As a result, stories that do not fit within their preconceived notions and lack a proven track record of profitability are often overlooked. However, readers who have not only accepted but devoured these stories have proven that they are eager to explore the rich and intricate complexities of real-life experiences presented in literature. These stories offer a unique opportunity to connect with the reader on a deeply personal level, inspiring introspection and fostering empathy.

From Setbacks to Stepping Stones

Self-publishing is an alternative to traditional publishing, where authors take on the responsibility of publishing their own work. It provides a platform for writers who may not have access to the resources or connections required to go through the traditional publishing process. Self-publishing allows authors to take control of their work, from the writing to distribution, promotion, and sales. It is a highway that leads to horizons unbound by traditional limitations, giving authors the freedom to experiment with different writing styles, formats, and ideas. It’s a place where underdogs can become heroes by sharing their stories and experiences with the world without being held back by the gatekeepers of the traditional publishing industry. Self-publishing empowers authors to take charge of their own creative work and to connect with their audience directly and I would say is making the Trad Pub industry squimmish. Many self-pub authors are finding major success on their own without having to take a cut on their earnings. Some are being sucked into the Trad Pub industry when their numbers hit high numbers. If you ask me, I don’t care too much about this. It gives me you weren’t with me when I struggled; why be with me now when I am successful vibe. #plasticgirlvibes

Still, if the author is happy, I am happy for them. Kimberly Lemming is a self-pub author. I came across her books on #booktok and devoured every single one. Apparently, I was not the only one because those books have been trad published with spanking new covers. I must say the covers look divine. Good job #tradpub

Tonya Duncan Ellis is an author I follow because of their meticulous work as a self-published children’s author. She has thirteen books in the Sophie Washington Series (which I highly recommend!) and is now being published traditionally. I look up to her, and she has become my (unknowing) mentor when it comes to self-publishing children’s books. I saw her doing her thing and it motivated to publish Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring.

Echoes of Empowerment Beyond Self-Publishing

The world of literature has been changing rapidly over the past few years, and it’s no longer the case that success is exclusive to the traditionally published. The rise of self-publishing has allowed a new wave of authors to emerge, and they are redefining what it means to be a successful writer.

In recent times, we have seen examples of these trailblazers who have become household names. Amanda Gorman, for instance, captured the hearts of millions when she recited her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the inauguration of Joe Biden. Through her lyrical performance, she proved that self-expression can be powerful and inspiring. From this, she gained a publishing contract, and now her books, including “The Hill We Climb: Poems,” “Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem,” and her inaugural poem, have been published traditionally.

Gorman’s journey is an example of how performance poetry and national recognition can lead to traditional publishing opportunities, even for relatively new voices in the literary world. Her story illustrates the diverse paths authors can take in their careers, with each journey shaped by unique opportunities and individual choices.

Another example is Marley Dias, who started a campaign to highlight books that feature black girls as the main character. Her initiative brought attention to the lack of diversity in mainstream literature and paved the way for other young authors to speak up and share their own stories.

These #rebelauthors are just the beginning, though. Self-publishing has opened up opportunities for countless writers who may have never had the chance to share their work with the world. Through this platform, they are able to define themselves and their stories and reach a wider audience than ever before. It’s an exciting time for the world of literature, and we can’t wait to see what other groundbreaking authors will emerge in the future.

The Self-Publishing Playground

Self-publishing is a great way to bring your story to life without the need for a traditional publishing house. It gives you the creative freedom to write your story exactly how you envision it, without outside influence. While one wears many hats as a self-published author, the process of self-publishing is simple and the outcome so rewarding! The ease and accessible makes it easier for those who have a story to tell to tell it.

Without the road blocks that are still part of #tradpub (that I don’t know when they will disappear) self-publishing welcomes every kind of narrative, and new voices. It’s a platform that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, and it’s a place where authors can tell their stories without fear of rejection or censorship. Self-publishing is proving that our stories are not just notable but necessary. We’re not just writing; we’re adding to the literary landscape by coloring with our crayons and ohh what an amazing picture is turning out to be.

Join the Movement

Join me. Let’s write, share, and celebrate our stories. Let’s step into a space where reading meets writing and every story finds its home, where our books are as diverse as the universe we inhabit. Let’s turn the “no place for you here” into a resounding “we’ve been waiting for your words.” If this resonates with you, if you’re ready to be part of the rebel writing community, sign up for my newsletter. Together, let’s navigate the exhilarating world of books, one page at a time, and uplift each other.

Here’s to the writers, the dreamers, the relentless spirits who see walls not as obstacles but as invitations to rise. Together, we’re not just writing books but rewriting the narrative for BIPOC authors everywhere.

Read you later,

Joa